On Point With: Phoebe Bing Bong

Here’s a new gal on the scene with a unique day job and a fresh approach to drag: Phoebe Bing Bong!

Thotyssey: Hello Ms. Bing Bong, thanks for chatting with us today! How was your 4th?

Phoebe Bing Bong: It was good! It was nice to have a day off of work, and hang out with some close friends.

What’s the day job, if I may ask?

I’m a pathologist’s assistant — which is a bit of a strange job. Basically anything that gets removed from a patient during surgery comes to me, and I dissect the organ and pick what tissue gets made into a slide for a pathologist to make a diagnosis.

That’s intense! So you are not the squeamish type, I take it.

No, definitely not! I can stomach some pretty gross stuff. It’s not a job for everyone.

Where are you from originally, and did your interests always lie in both anatomy and performing arts?

I am from Wisconsin originally. And yes, absolutely! Growing up, I was a good student and really liked science and math class… and then did musicals and plays as my extracurricular activities.

How did you discover drag, and become a New Yorker?

I had wanted to live in New York ever since visiting during a choir trip in high school. So when I finished college, I moved right away. I’ve been here for three years now. And I discovered drag in college through a little TV program called Rupaul’s Drag Race. I thought the art of drag was so cool, and shortly after binging the first couple of seasons I went to a drag show with some friends I was visiting in Minneapolis. I had so much fun, and have been obsessed with drag ever since.

How did your drag name come to you?

My name out of drag is Chandler, so I just stuck with the Friends theme and went with Phoebe Bing (like Chandler Bing). But didn’t think that was enough, so I added my favorite household appliance, a bong, and ended up with Phoebe Bing Bong.

And how might you describe Phoebe as a queen today, as far as her looks and performances go?

Phoebe is a campy comedy queen, who likes to be a lil’ raunchy and sexy from time to time. I like to do performances that will make you laugh, dance, and sing along. And I also really enjoy doing songs that people wouldn’t expect a drag queen to do, like “Money Maker” or “Because I Got High,” to name a few.

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How did you come to find yourself amongst the Brooklyn girls?

I live in Brooklyn, so I started doing drag at the competitions and open stages there like “Are You the Next Diva” and “Madd Mondays.”

Have you had a favorite performance or gig that you’ve done so far?

Some of my favorite numbers have been “Easy On Me” by Adele and “Praying” by Kesha. And a favorite gig of mine would have to be brunch at the Rosemont. We’ve had one so far this summer, with another one coming up on July 31st. Mark your calendars!

In the meantime, on Friday you’ll be with Merrie Cherry, Serena Tea and Fantasia Royale (visiting from L.A.) for “Local” at C’mon Everybody!

This is a new show put on by Merrie Cherry to promote local performers, as well as special guests from out of town! Like any Merrie Cherry show, it’s bound to be a fun time. I’m extra excited for it since I haven’t gotten the opportunity to perform at C’mon Everybody yet, and I’m really excited to bring my drag to the stage there!

Anything else coming up for you?

Yes! I also have a bi-weekly show every other Tuesday at the Rosemont which I host with my good sister Ruby Tuesday. We’re always getting into new shenanigans! And just the brunch coming up on July 31st also at the Rosemont!

Excellent! Finally, in honor of your day job: what’s your favorite human organ?

Ooh, that’s a hard question! I’m gonna have to say the liver, because I just dissected one this morning at work… and this past weekend mine was working overtime, so it deserves some appreciation.

We raise our glasses to the livers! Thanks, Phoebe!